Ingredients:

2 large bunches organic kale
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
5-6 tablespoons almond cashew or sunflower butter
4 tablespoons nutritional yeast
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
1/2 to 1 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes
Salt to taste
*Play around with the flavor by adding more or less of any of these ingredients. Totally versatile!
*If your mixture is too thick, add a smidge of water. Should be a paste-like mixture.

Method:

Preheat oven to 250 degrees F.

Use a knife to cut out the tough inner rib that runs lengthwise through the center of each kale leaf.

Cut the kale into large chip-sized pieces.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients. Place the kale into the bowl (it might require two bowls to fit the kale) and gently massage the mixture in, coating each leaf evenly.

Line one very large cookie sheet or two medium sized sheets with cooking parchment.

Distribute the kale evenly so they are in one layer.

Bake for about 20 minutes, then remove the cookies sheets to flip the leaves. Place back into the oven and bake for another 20 minutes or until crispy.

Allow them to cool on the cookie sheets (I like to leave them in the cooling oven to help promote further crisping action) then transfer to a bowl to serve.

*Baking kale chips at any temperature over 250 degrees causes them to burn, so stick with lower temps. Eventually I will try the same recipe in the food dehydrator and keep y'all posted with the results.

Benefits:

Kale: Kale is a powerful green which has been proven to help lower cholesterol and reduce your risk of various types of cancer including bladder, breast, colon, ovary, and prostate. It has powerful detoxifying properties and is an excellent source of vitamins C, K, and A. See here for more health benefits and nutritional info.

Lime: Limes are vitamin C powerhouses. Great for immunity, vitamin C can also be helpful for preventing the development and progression of atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease. See here for more health benefits and nutritional info.

Almonds: Almonds are a Supernut. High in monounsaturated fats (associated with reduced risk of heart disease), almonds contain high amounts of vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium. They are also high in protein, which makes them an ideal snack. See here for more health benefits and nutritional information. Many suggest that soaking nuts (and grains, legumes, and seeds) before consuming them enhances their nutritional quality.

Cashews: Cashews have a lower fat content than most other nuts, and approximately 75% of their fat is unsaturated fatty acids. What's more is that about 75% of this unsaturated fatty acid content is oleic acid, the same monounsaturated or "good fat" found in olive oil. This super nut is also packed with copper, manganese, magnesium, and tryptophan (the "feel good" amino acid"). See here for more health benefits and nutritional information. Many suggest that soaking nuts (and grains, legumes, and seeds) before consuming them enhances their nutritional quality.

Maple Syrup: Maple syrup is excellent source of manganese and a good source of zinc, both of which are important to promote a healthy immune system. Studies have shown that maple syrup can also be useful for muscle recovery and immune system support. See here for more health benefits and nutritional info.

Nutritional Yeast: Nutritional yeast is a staple source of protein, particularly for vegans and vegetarians. It is one of the few non-animal sources of B-12, is rich in folic acid and other nutrients and amino acids. Nutritional yeast is free of the Candida Albicans strain, making it safe for those concerned with candida. See here for more health benefits and nutritional information.